How to Get Help After Returning From Deployment

It’s not uncommon for service members to need help after returning from deployment. Many of our troops struggle with their mental health after returning from their deployment, which can have a significant impact on the rest of their lives. It’s important for our service members who have returned from overseas to get help for the mental health challenges once they get home to make readjusting easier. In this guide, we’ll talk more about mental health after deployment, signs to look out for, and some of the most notable resources you can use if you need them.

What to Know About Mental Health Post-Deployment

It’s not always easy to adjust to life back home after spending months, or even years, overseas. There can be challenges in re-establishing your routine, making connections with loved ones, and even possible physical trauma from combat during your deployment. You may even feel alienated from your family and community and have trouble dealing with the changes that happened while you were away from home.

Many service members deal with mental health challenges once they get home, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These conditions can make it even harder to deal with the challenges our troops face after their deployment is over, which can have a negative impact on their well-being. Our troops have access to the help they need, it’s just a matter of educating service members about these resources so they can move further in the right direction.

Signs That You May Need Help After Your Deployment

If you’re struggling after deployment, there will usually be signs. Some of these signs will be mental while others can be more apparent. If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or a loved one who was recently deployed, it may be time to reach out for help:

●Withdrawal from family, friends, and the community

●Anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or other PTSD symptoms

●Sleep disturbances or insomnia

●Extreme sensitivity and hypervigilance

●Low self-esteem or insecurity

●Lack of interest in once-enjoyed activities

●Risky behaviors

If you notice any of the signs above in yourself or someone you know after returning from a deployment, it’s likely they’re having a difficult time adjusting to life back at home and need help. The good news is that our service members have resources available to help them overcome the challenges they may face after returning home.

Resources for Service Members After Returning From Deployment

If you’re a service member struggling with your mental health after deployment, you don’t have to go through it alone. There are plenty of resources you can take advantage of to help you readjust so you can get your life back on track. Some of the resources you should be aware of after your deployment include:

1. Military Crisis Line

One of the most notable and important resources for service members is the Military Crisis Line. While it’s not just limited to service members returning from deployment, troops who have come home from overseas can lean on the Military Crisis Line in their time of need. You can contact the Military Crisis Line if you need help with your mental health or if you feel like you’re in the middle of a mental health crisis and need support. You’ll be connected with someone who can direct you to the appropriate resources.

It’s easy to get in touch with this service by calling 988 and pressing one, which will allow you to talk to someone who can get you the help you need. The Military Crisis Line can also be contacted by texting 838255 or using their online chat. No matter how you contact the crisis line, they are available to help you 24/7 so you have support the moment you need it.

2. Mental Health Providers

If you’re having trouble with your mental health, you may need treatment from a professional. Therapy can be particularly beneficial for someone struggling with their mental health and having trouble readjusting to life back at home. A psychiatrist can guide you through readjusting to life at home and help you navigate your mental health symptoms.

In some cases, you may need medication to treat your mental health symptoms, especially if you’re having trouble sleeping or dealing with depression and anxiety. A professional can help you find medication that works for you in combination with therapy or other types of treatment.

3. Support Groups

Many service members struggle with returning home after their deployment, so you’re bound to find others who understand exactly what you’re going through. You’ll most likely find these individuals in support groups that specifically address the challenges our troops go through after deployment. Connecting with others who have the same experiences you do can help you feel less isolated while giving you a support network you can rely on when things get hard.

You can also find support groups specific to any mental health struggles you’re dealing with, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These groups will not only help you connect with others who have similar experiences but will also help you navigate your symptoms.

4. Family and Friends

While not official, your family and friends can be a valuable resource for you when you return home from deployment. When you get home from your time overseas, try to be as honest with them as you can about what you’re going through and some of your struggles. It may be difficult to talk about, but talking with your loved ones can significantly help with your readjustment after returning home and alleviate some of the challenges you’ll face.

For example, if you tell your family that you’re having difficulty connecting with others and to the new routine after returning home, they might be able to make some changes to help ease your transition. You can also reach out to your family and friends if you feel like you’re struggling with something and need help.

5. Fellow Service Members

You didn’t deploy alone, and there are plenty of troops who deployed before you and many that will come after. Other service members can be a valuable resource for you while you’re dealing with the transition back home. You can ask them for advice or just go to them to vent when you find that you’re struggling and need someone to talk to. Some may even have tips to help you if you need help.

You can choose to talk to troops in your unit who were with you during your deployment. These individuals will be able to relate to you on a more personal level since they experienced a deployment similar to your own. However, you can also talk to plenty of other service members who deployed before you. These individuals may not have experienced exactly what you did, but they have valuable experiences and insight that can help you. You may even be able to find resources you’ve never heard about before through these service members.

6. Non-Profit Organizations

Many non-profit organizations help service members and veterans, whether it’s financial assistance, housing, mental health treatment, or something else our troops need. These organizations do amazing work to help our service members thrive, and you can rely on them if you return from deployment and find yourself struggling.

Some organizations may be able to help you find treatment or mental health therapy if you notice any concerning symptoms when you return. You can also find assistance if you’re struggling with adjusting back to life at home, whether it’s your routine, childcare, family matters, or something else. Some non-profits will step in to help you with other aspects of your life while you get the help you need.

To get in touch with a non-profit, start searching for national and local organizations that can help with your specific problem. You can even ask other service members or those in your command to point you in the right direction for organizations that have worked with them or others they know.

7. Military OneSource

Military One Source is a free resource service members can use for various needs, including their challenges after deployment. Through this service, you can access assistance for things like relocation, parenting, childcare, money management, spouse employment, and more. You can also find resources for help after deployment, including where to find treatment. Their counseling information is particularly important for service members who are dealing with mental health challenges after their deployment.

Military Luggage Company Offers Our Thanks and Support to Our Troops Overseas

Whether you’re about to head overseas, are currently deployed, or have returned home already, Military Luggage Company would like to extend our gratitude to our troops. Deploying is never easy, and it can be hard to be away from friends or family for months at a time. It’s not uncommon for service members to struggle with their mental health after returning home, which is why we put together this guide. We hope you were able to find valuable information to help you find the help you need so you can properly adjust to life back home.